Ministry to pull down billboards on road reserves

By John Njiraini

A major row could erupt between the Government and outdoor advertising firms after the Ministry of Roads announced plans to remove billboards on road reserves.

Roads Minister Franklin Bett warned the firms saying the structures distract motorists.

He said the digital billboard at the Uhuru Highway- Haile Selassie Avenue roundabout must be removed.

The billboard belongs to Magnate Ventures, one of the leading outdoor firms.

"I am sending a warning to the owners of the billboard to remove it. Television sets are meant for sitting rooms not on road reserves," he said.

Conflict with sector

The move by the minister is set to generate confrontation with companies in the lucrative advertising business, worth billions of shillings.

There are about 500 billboards along Nairobi roads. Leading players include Magnate, Adsite, Alliance Media, Global, Prime and A1. The clash comes at a time Tanzania is embroiled in a similar battle after Tanzania Roads Agency granted two companies the exclusive rights to erect billboards on road reserves.

At least 10 advertising firms have launched a complaint with the Tanzania Fair Competition Tribunal and have secured an injunction.

Bett, who spoke after inaugurating a new board at the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), said the ministry would start demanding a portion of revenues for billboards on road reserves.

Bett ordered the new team to develop a comprehensive structure to raise funds for roads construction and maintenance in 30 days.

He said KRB, charged with overseeing the road network and co-ordinating development, rehabilitation and maintenance, should not rely on Treasury, lenders and the fuel levy as the only source of funds.

Budget deficit

"The roads sector is still facing funding challenges and the new board must find ways of raising money," Bett said.

KRB has a budget of Sh71 billion, Sh50 billion being from the Treasury and Sh21 billion from international lenders.

He dismissed complaints from local contractors that they have been locked out of contracts. "We will support local contractors but they must reciprocate by performing," Bett stated, adding the country expects good quality roads.

The Board is undertaking a study on reclassification of the road network, inventory and condition survey of the unclassified roads.